WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 — Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) unveiled today a groundbreaking online initiative with the launch of Disney Digital Books (www.disneydigitalbooks.com), a new, cutting-edge way for children to experience the joy of reading in a robust and safe interactive environment.

“Disney Digital Books is an industry-defining service that Disney Publishing is uniquely qualified to deliver,” said Russell Hampton, President, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “As one of the world’s largest publishers of children’s books, we have an extensive library of titles featuring Disney’s beloved characters, with something for every level of reader.”

As with the Birthday promotion, guests who will not see a benefit from receiving a free day of admission to a Disney theme park can choose one of the following options:

Disney’s Special FASTPASS® card for certain attractions for themselves and up to five additional members of their part (note the number of available FASTPASS cards is limited on a daily basis; guests are advised to claim theirs before 11 am)

Sept. 29, 2009 – Disney Parks today announced a new program that celebrates the spirit of volunteer service with a simple proposition: “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.”

Disney hopes to inspire families to volunteer in their communities during 2010 through this first-of-its-kind program. One million people who perform volunteer service for a participating organization will receive a free one-day admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park.

While the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program kicks off Jan. 1, right now guests can learn more about the program and how to get their free one-day admission to a Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme park by visiting www.DisneyParks.com (for the United States and Puerto Rico) or www.DisneyParks.ca (for Canada).

In the past year, guests have been celebrating all sorts of special moments in their lives at Disney parks – from birthdays and anniversaries to reunions and graduations – as part of the “What Will You Celebrate?” campaign.

“In 2010, we want to recognize and add one more reason for celebration: the contributions people make to their communities every day,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We want to inspire 1 million volunteers – people who will invest time and energy to make their own communities and neighborhoods a better place.”

Disneyland has just released this video of the grand opening of the Disney Vacation Club’s first west coast entry, the Villas at the Grand Californian at the Disneyland Resort. Also featured are several cast members talking about the new addition to the DVC family as well as a tour of the rooms and facilities.

As part of the announced expansion for Castaway Cay in anticipation of the larger Disney Cruise Line ships bringing more guests each day to Disney’s private little getaway, we are pleased to bring you your first look at Pelican Plunge. At 2,400-square-feet in area, this floating platform boasts two water slides – an enclosed corkscrew slide and a 140-foot-long open slide – that take guests on a twisting ride, ending with a splash into the lagoon. A giant “bucket dump” will soak guests on the platform.

Although it’s been on display for about a month or so thus far, we hope those of you who have not yet seen or it will be unable to see it will enjoy our photo gallery of the artwork, maquettes and other items of interest on display at the Animation Building at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for The Princess and the Frog.

Production has begun on “Starstruck,” a music-filled Disney Channel Original Movie starring Sterling Knight (“Sonny With A Chance”) and introducing Danielle Campbell. Slated to premiere in 2010, the movie is filming in and around Los Angeles at landmark locations including Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, the Hollywood Sign, Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the Venice Boardwalk.

The story follows Jessica Olson (played by Campbell), a down-to-earth girl from the Midwest who collides (literally) with Hollywood’s teen heartthrob, pop star Christopher Wilder (played by Knight). They wind up on a love-struck adventure in Southern California, but their bond is tested when she returns home and he publicly denies their relationship.

New this year to Halloween Time at Disneyland is Halloween Screams – A Villainous Surprise in the Skies. The new fireworks spectacular haunts the nighttime sky throughout the Halloween season. To start the show, Master of Scare-omonies Jack Skellington appears in a flash of fire above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Haunting melodies fill the air and a Halloween pyrotechnics extravaganza explodes into the night. Such classic Disney villains as Maleficent, Ursula the Sea Witch and Oogie Boogie join in the ‘spirit’ of the celebration, and even Zero, Jack’s faithful ghost dog, will make an appearance. Disneyland guests are encouraged to participate in a bone-chilling Halloween Scream-Along during the show. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)